Crime
Victims killed in Brown University shooting ID’d as Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook
Providence, R.I. — Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov has been identified as the second victim killed in the deadly shooting at Brown University on December 13, an incident that has deeply shaken the campus and communities across the country.
Family members and loved ones described Umurzokov as exceptionally kind, intelligent, and compassionate, with a natural warmth that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
He was known for his sense of humor, humility, and unwavering willingness to help others without hesitation. Those closest to him said he consistently put the needs of others before his own and served as a role model within his family and community.
Umurzokov was a highly motivated student with ambitious dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon, hoping one day to dedicate his life to helping and healing others.
His curiosity, discipline, and generosity reflected both his personal character and the values instilled in him by his family and upbringing.
“More than a gifted student, Aziz was a beloved son, brother, and friend,” his family shared. “He had a future filled with promise, and his life was taken far too soon.” His death has left what they described as an immeasurable void in the lives of his family, friends, classmates, and the broader Uzbek American community.
In a statement, the American Uzbekistan Association extended its deepest condolences to Umurzokov’s family, expressing solidarity during this period of profound grief and gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support from the public.
Family members have said that donations made in his memory will help cover immediate expenses, with remaining funds to be donated to charity in his name.
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and potential, and for the light he brought into the lives of those around him.
Authorities have also confirmed the identity of the other victim as Ella Cook, a sophomore from Alabama. Cook was a parishioner at Cathedral Church of the Advent in downtown Birmingham, where she was remembered as an “incredible, grounded, faithful bright light” who consistently uplifted others.
During Sunday services, Rev. Craig Smalley spoke about Cook’s impact, noting her dedication to service and her ability to encourage and inspire those around her both at her church and at Brown University.
“Those who knew her knew she was an incredible light,” Smalley said. He urged the congregation to keep Cook’s family and loved ones in their prayers.
The shooting occurred shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday inside an engineering building while final exams were underway, one of the busiest periods of the academic year.
In addition to the two fatalities, nine people were wounded.
University officials said one victim has been released from the hospital, seven remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition, and one remains in critical condition.
Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez said Sunday that no charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
A previously detained person of interest, Benjamin Warren Erickson, was taken into custody at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, but was later released after investigators determined he was not involved in the shooting.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha acknowledged that early evidence appeared to point in that direction but later proved otherwise.
He also criticized the premature public release of the individual’s name, noting the lasting harm such disclosures can cause.
Authorities emphasized that the gunman remains at large, and law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels continue to actively pursue leads as the investigation continues.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.